Positive illusions in Japanese students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine positive illusion phenomena among Japanese students. In Study I. students were asked to rate themselves and the average same-sex student of their university or vocational school, in terms of their personality, optimism about the future, and belief in personal control. Results indicated that participants showed positive illusions in their ratings of agreeableness, conscientiousness, optimism for negative future events, and personal control. However, negative illusions were found in their ratings of extraversion, openness to experience, and appearance. In Study 2, participants were asked to compare themselves with the average same-sex student of their university or vocational school. Results were similar to those of Study I. Cultural factors appeared to be responsible for those positive and negative illusions.